Memory foam was originally developed by NASA to decrease the very high pressure caused by the extreme G-force occurring during the take-off of the space shuttle. It was never used in the space program but was subsequently used medically, for example by patients who used to lie in bed on hard or very firm mattresses for long periods of time without regularly moving such as being bed-bound after a paralyzing stroke.A memory foam mattress is usually denser than an ordinary foam mattress. This makes it more supportive but also heavier. It is often seen as a good compromise between the comfort of a soft mattress and the supportiveness of a firm one. Memory foam mattresses often sell for more money than traditional mattresses but they last longer.

The fantastic Thuka Memoflex Mattress has been exclusively designed for use with cabin and bunk beds, and is shallower than average, to maximise the safety margin from the top of the mattress to the top of the safety rails.